L-carnitine is a water-soluble short-chain carboxylic acid and is naturally synthesized by the human body from 2 amino acids, lysine and methionine. It is one of the most popular substances widely used in fat-burning preparations. It is an important substance in terms of one of the mechanisms of fatty acid metabolism in mitochondria and essentially the hydrolysis of fats and the creation of energy. 98% of L-carnitine in the human body is located in muscle groups, where it is part of the enzymatic system for transporting medium-chain fatty acids inside the mitochondria of muscle cells, where their oxidation takes place in order to produce energy. In vegetarians or in people with the inability to synthesize L-carnitine adequately, when its levels in muscle groups are lower than normal, L-carnitine supplementation is truly essential. All this in the part that has to do with our body. L-Carnitine is essential for the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria, in order to produce energy. It is useful: in cardiovascular health, in weight control, in increasing aerobic endurance, it also helps in the process of thermogenesis and regulates glycogenesis. The main mission of carnitine is to transport long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria of the cell for energy production. Doses of several grams do not cause any significant clinical toxicity, so there is no hesitation in taking it. The results of L-carnitine administration to 110 top athletes (rowing, canoeing, swimming, as well as middle and long-distance runners), 47 women and 63 men, after six double-blind placebo trials and a three-week study, are as follows: it increases fat burning during long-term exercise, protects carbohydrates, increases exercise duration, is also used as an ergogen in endurance and strength athletes. Most studies recommend a daily dosage of 1,000 mg (1 gr) of L-carnitine. This dose should be divided into two parts, so that the body can absorb it better. The use of the carnitine supplement should not be done continuously – for example, one week of use followed by one week of interruption.
